In a dramatic development within the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), party chief Mayawati on Monday expelled her nephew, Akash Anand, from the party, citing his involvement in “anti-party activities.” This expulsion comes just a day after Mayawati removed him from all key positions within the party. The move is being viewed as part of Mayawati’s firm stance on maintaining party discipline, in line with the legacy of BSP’s founder, Kanshiram, and the ideals of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. “In the interest of the self-respect and self-esteem movement of the most revered Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and following the tradition of discipline of the venerable Shri Kanshiram ji, Shri Akash Anand, like his father-in-law, is expelled from the party in the interest of the party and the movement,” Mayawati declared on social media platform X.
This is not the first instance of familial tensions spilling into the political arena. On Sunday, Mayawati had already removed Akash Anand from all BSP party posts, replacing him with Anand Kumar and Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Gautam as national coordinators. In a bold move, the BSP chief also declared that she would not name a successor in her lifetime, emphasizing the continuation of the party’s principles without depending on a single figurehead.
Akash Anand, for his part, responded with a mix of respect and resolve. He stated on Monday that while the decision had an emotional impact on him, he regarded Mayawati’s actions as “patthar ki lakeer” — carved in stone — and would accept it as a challenge. Despite the setback, Anand remained defiant, signaling that his political journey was far from over.
The expulsion of Akash Anand highlights the ongoing power struggle within the BSP, where family ties and loyalty seem to be in direct conflict with the party’s stringent discipline. This move is particularly notable considering Akash Anand’s growing influence within the party, and his removal raises questions about the internal dynamics and succession plans within the BSP. Mayawati’s declaration that she will not name a successor only adds to the intrigue, as it suggests a reluctance to groom any particular individual as her heir.
This incident could also signal a broader shift in how Mayawati is positioning the BSP for future elections. With the Uttar Pradesh political landscape constantly shifting, the BSP leader’s focus appears to be on preserving the integrity of the party rather than relying on any single individual, even if that individual happens to be a close family member. Whether this marks the end of Anand’s political career within the BSP or the beginning of a new chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Mayawati is determined to keep the party in line with its founding principles, even if it means making difficult personal decisions.
In the end, the expulsion underscores Mayawati’s iron grip on the BSP, as well as her commitment to preserving its ideology above all else, including family. The party’s future, it seems, will be shaped not by bloodlines but by adherence to its founding values — a stark message to anyone seeking to rise within its ranks.
